Welcome to Bathampton CSA project. The project began in August 2010 and this is the story of how it developed from the generosity of the Hughes family tethered to the passion of Transition Bath and the local community.
If you would like to find out more information about how to get involved please email info@dryarchgrowers.co.uk.
You can also visit the site which is at the end of Holcombe Lane in Bathampton on Thursdays from 11am to 1pm and Sundays from 11am-3pm. Please email first to let us know you are visiting.
The land situated at Dry Arch Bathampton has an interesting local history. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty with views over both Bathampton meadows and the Kennet and Avon canal the property has been cultivated and farmed for several hundred years. In the early 1920’s the land was purchased by the Hughes family who developed a strong local business providing fresh locally grown produce to markets and other outlets in the Bath area. This market gardening business remained active through two generations of the family until the early 1990’s when all farming activity concluded. In the subsequent period until August 2010 the land was used as an area of gentle recreation and amongst other uses provided stabling for horses. The land itself was allowed to return gently to nature whilst still retaining an abundance of fruit trees, in particular apples and plums, which still to this day provide an annual crop. The current owners of the land retain a great sentimental attachment to the property and recognised the unique location and potential as a resource to provide high quality local produce once again. The legacy of the property finally proved too overwhelming to ignore and as a consequence the Hughes family sought out advice from members of Transition Bath with a clear intention of returning the land to productive use. That initial meeting unveiled the potential to develop a Community Supported agriculture project with strong organic principles. With the support of a project manager provided by Transition Bath a public meeting on the land in August 2010 led to the formation of Bathampton Community Co-operative (more commonly known as “Dry Arch Growers”) in January 2011.
